HC Deb 18 February 1969 vol 778 cc78-9W
Mr. Prior

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what account is taken of large seasonal influxes in population in determining the need for additional hospital accommodation; and what estimate he has made for this purpose of the additional holiday population of the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft areas.

Mr. Ennals

The need to provide services for holidaymakers is taken into account. I understand that over 100,000 people are visiting the Great Yarmouth/ Lowestoft area at the peak of the holiday season.

Mr. Prior

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate he has made of the likely population in the combined Yarmouth/Lowestoft area by the year 1975; how many hospital beds for acute cases and supporting facilities will be available per 1,000 population; and how this compares with the national average, and with the local position at King's Lynn and Bury St. Edmunds.

Mr. Ennals

I understand that the Regional Hospital Board assume a figure of 156,500 for planning purposes. It is not possible to say what the ratio of hospital beds for acute cases to population will be either nationally or locally in 1975 because capital programmes are kept under review to take account of changes in priorities and in the pattern of medical care.